by Chris Fox
“David considers the grey men to be the primary threat,” Anput said, “and Project Solaris lacks the resources to go after Hades, even if they did consider him a primary threat. He isn’t, so far as we can tell. He’s self-serving and deceitful, but the grey men are paving the way for the return of the Builders. If they aren’t stopped, we’re going to have to deal with something even Isis and Ra never faced.” She adopted a faraway look. “I’ve had a glimpse into one of their minds. The ones that left Earth before the last ice age are still alive. They make someone like Isis or Osiris look like a child.”
“I can’t even wrap my brain around that,” Trevor murmured. “If these things have had millions of years to get stronger, there’s no way we’re going to be able to stop them. Not without one hell of an advantage.”
“Gaining that advantage is why David sent me,” Anput said. She looked from Jordan to Trevor. “You two are new players, and one of you is the Ark Lord of this continent. With your combined help, we might be able to reach this Proto Ark before they do.”
“Maybe,” Jordan said, and shook his head. “The tactical situation in Peru is grim. Brazil is encroaching on both the northern and southern border. There’s a whole lot of deathless packing a whole lot of weaponry, and every last one wants Peru to burn to the ground. I’m not sure I can go haring off into the jungle. These people need me.”
“Your concern for these people is laudable, but you have to realize what’s at stake. Jordan, something came before the Arks,” Anput said. “From what we understand, the Builders were the dominant race some 2.3 million years ago. They were far more advanced than humanity, and they built a city that housed the bulk of their culture. This was long before they created the Arks, perhaps hundreds of thousands of years. Eventually, for whatever reason, they built an Ark on every continent. Their numbers fell dramatically, until there were only a handful remaining.”
“Why did they build the Arks?” Trevor asked. “Their placement doesn’t appear random. Why were they constructed in the first place?”
“David has a theory,” Anput allowed. “I haven’t been able to substantiate it. He believes they built the Arks as a transmission network. When they decided to leave they beamed themselves to their new world as light, using the Arks.”
“That’s the light pulses David was talking about?” Trevor asked.
“Yes, it sounds like you witnessed them,” Anput said.
“Yeah,” Jordan said, nodding. He turned back to Trevor. “It was right after the CME, maybe a month or two later. The Ark beamed something into the sky, and we had no idea what or why. Is that what you’re talking about?”
“That’s it exactly,” Anput said, soberly. “In that case, the grey men were beaming information. Information the Builders now have. In the distant past, we think they may have beamed their own consciousnesses.”
“So this Proto Ark,” Jordan broke in. “Assuming it still exists, where is it exactly, and what is it you think having it will do for us?”
“We believe the Proto Ark is located somewhere in the Amazon jungle,” Anput said. “That’s backed up by the fact that Nox was recently sighted in Brazil, and that Brazil has launched a massive offensive into the jungle. They know the Proto Ark is there, and they’re searching for it. We don’t know everything it can do, but the fact that they want it should be enough.”
“It’s enough for me,” Trevor said. “Jordan?”
“It’s too thin. I can’t leave on a hunch,” Jordan finally said. “If this place is a threat, I need to know how.”
“How about this, then?” Anput asked. “The staff that Isis used, the Primary Access Key? Both that and its mate were created at the Proto Ark. If the grey men are able to make another, then they’ll be able to seize control of the entire Ark network. They’d be able to circumvent the security Isis put into place. Even were they not, do we really want them to be able to create access keys? Even a few would be enough to end the war instantly.”
“Okay,” Jordan said. “You’ve convinced me of the gravity of the situation. We need to get to the Proto Ark before they do.” He gave a grim smile. “I think we can make that happen. I know just the person who can help us.”
22
Tricked
The Great Bear lumbered towards the colorful tent nestled atop a rise overlooking a nameless glacial lake. By day, its waters were the bluest thing he’d ever seen, though they were painted black under the heavy moon. The tent was bright yellow, visible from miles off. Yosemite could hear a single heartbeat coming from inside that tent.
“Awaken, child of man,” the Great Bear roared. He rose to his full height, three times that of a tall man. His voice was thunderous, but he shattered a foot-thick pine to punctuate it. “Rise, and be judged.”
The heartbeat quickened, and then one of the wonderful zippers these moderns had invented began to unzip. The flap fell, and a woman emerged from the tent. She stared impassively at Yosemite, seemingly unconcerned by her impending death.
“What do you want, old Bear?” The woman’s voice was crusted with age.
“Why have you come to the roof of the world? There is nothing for your kind here. Before I kill you, I would know your purpose.” The Bear lumbered within easy reach of the woman, yet she did not flee.
“These lands used to belong to my people,” she explained. “My tribe is called the Miwok. I figured I’m going to die soon, so I may as well do it somewhere pretty.”
“You are of the Ahwanechee?” he rumbled, bending to sniff her. “Your legends tell you of the Great Bear?”
“That’s right. The Ahwanechee came before the Miwok, but we’re the same stock. Our legends tell of the Great Bear.” She rubbed her gloved hands together to ward the chill. “They say that you were called Yosemite, a chieftain of your people, and that you earned your name by slaying a grizzly. Of course, those legends seem like they were off. They said you were a man, once.”
“Your tales hit near enough the mark,” the Bear replied. “I was born a bear, the largest to roam the mountains you call the Sierras. One day, a woman came to me. I attacked her, as I would any other human. She was prey, or so I thought. That woman became a wolf, and bested me. I was forced to retreat, but she followed. When she caught me, she healed my wounds.”
“You’re talking about the earth mother.” She nodded in recognition, waving for him to continue.
“Yes, the same. The earth mother changed me. She used her magics to shape me into a man. I was able to think as a man, to appear as a man.” Yosemite moved to sit near the woman, his form still dwarfing her. “But I am not a man. I am Bear.”
“Well, Bear, if you’re going to kill me, get on with it,” the woman taunted. “It’s mighty cold, and I’m tired of listening to you yammer.”
Inexplicable anger burst to life, coloring the Bear’s vision. He roared, lunging for the woman. She made no move to flee, smiling as he took her life.
The Bear tore off a hunk of flesh, wolfing it down. He lost himself in the feeding, completely unprepared for the burst of scarlet light that came from the corpse.
He snorted, pawing at his nose as he backed away from the meal. His eyes itched, and his head hurt.
A thin, reedy voice sounded within the Bear’s head. It was high, like the mountain wind. He’d not heard it in seasons uncounted. You are a fool, old Bear.
“Windigo,” Yosemite growled. He rose slowly to his feet, peering around the snowy ravine. “Show yourself, trickster.”
I can’t do that, I’m afraid, Windigo taunted.
The Bear remembered the Mother speaking into his mind, and Ahiga had once done the same. Yet Windigo was no Ka-Dun.
“Where are you, demon?” the Bear roared. He spun around, still searching. Perhaps Windigo was in the shadows, somewhere. Like a Ka-Ken.
I was in the woman, you fool. When you consumed her, you opened yourself to me. Now I am in your mind. Already I am overpowering your defenses, and each time you sleep I will control your body.
“No,” the Bear said. He turned in a frantic circle, still trying to locate Windigo.
I tricked you, Bear. Windigo’s laugher echoed in the Bear’s head.
“What do you want, trickster?” the Bear demanded.
You will leave these mountains, making your way toward the city that men call Santa Rosa.
“Why would I do anything you ask?”
Because I will kill every one of your children while you sleep. There are few enough bears in these mountains as it is. If you want to save your children, start walking west. Stay, and I’ll ensure that your species is eradicated.
23
Summons
Blair briefly surveyed San Francisco from his perch atop Mount Burdell. He was about thirty miles north of the city, but he could be there in a few heartbeats. He could blaze through the deathless, extinguishing every last one of the lights.
Part of him longed to do that. Melissa certainly deserved it, after what she’d done to Angel Island. She could have come clean and told them. He’d have respected her for it.
That would have been most unwise on her part, Ka-Dun. You’d have slain her out of hand, and she knew it.
That was probably true. He would have killed her, and even if he hadn’t Liz certainly would have. So, in a way, he couldn’t blame Melissa for not telling him.
He could blame her for doing it in the first place, but now wasn’t the time for vengeance. He’d meant what he said to Trev. He needed to get home, to Santa Rosa. It was time to rebuild, not to pick fights.
Blair turned from San Francisco, staring north. Below him lay Petaluma, golden hills forming a valley where dozens of farms had once lain. Most of that land was fallow now, reclaimed to some extent by nature. He could feel the minds prowling the darkness down there: dogs, coyotes, and a few foxes. They watched for threats, ready to alert their human allies if they found deathless.
He blurred from his perch, soaring down the mountainside to the valley below. Blair landed in a crouch, then bounded into the air. He flitted from building to building, the miles rolling by as he made his way closer to Santa Rosa. The wind tore at his fur, but he reveled in it.
High above, the full moon shone down, feeding him a trickle of power. That, too, felt good, though he didn’t need it with so much more power readily available from the Ark.
Several minutes later, Blair reached Santa Rosa. The dark houses stood like tombs. He could hear heartbeats in a few, but most were empty. It would take decades to repopulate, assuming the world was able to go that long without yet another apocalypse.
Rebuilding was daunting, but if Alicia could shoulder the burden, so could he and Liz.
Blair blurred up Fountaingrove Parkway, leaping up the hillside to land near Alicia’s house. He could sense Liz inside. Blair slowed, pausing outside the front door. He shifted back to human form, then rapped three times. Several moments later he heard footsteps on the stairs—two pairs. The door opened to reveal Alicia, her long dark hair in a simple ponytail.
“You came back,” Alicia said. She motioned for him to enter, giving a brief smile.
“You sound surprised,” Blair said, hugging her as he stepped into the unfurnished home. “I was just exchanging news with the other Ark Lords we know.”
“What’s that stench?” Liz asked. She crinkled her nose in disgust.
“Oh, yeah, I guess I did get some goo on me,” Blair said. Dark green blood had spattered all over his chest fur. He shifted back to human form, and the spots remained. They smelled like sour milk.
“Explain.” Liz raised a copper eyebrow.
“All right, but let’s do it outside so I don’t stink up the house.” Blair agreed. He walked to the back deck, opening the door and stepping outside. The others followed. “I met with Trevor and Jordan. Apparently, our use of the Ark communication network alerted the progeny of the Builders, and possibly the other Ark Lords. We were warned by a guy named David who worked for something called Project Solaris. He claims that before the end of the world he’d been abducted by aliens that he calls the grey men. He was one of thousands of experiments.”
“What kind of experiments?” Alicia asked, rather dubiously.
“The kind that gave them the ability to shape.” Blair leaned against the wooden railing. He stripped off his goop-covered shirt, setting it on the railing. The cool wind felt good on his bare skin. “I saw some of what he can do, and I don’t think he was lying.”
“So where did the blood come from?”
“The grey men sent a scouting party when they realized someone was using the Nexus,” Blair explained. “We took care of them. No casualties. Trevor is fine.” He knew that was what Liz would most want to know. “They wanted me to go with them to South America to talk further about the threat, but I told them we have our own problems to deal with.”
Alicia and Liz shared a look that Blair didn’t much like.
“What?” he said.
“We received a messenger just a few minutes ago,” Liz said. She bit her lip. “From Melissa. She says that the Lords of Silicon Valley want to meet in person to discuss a possible treaty.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, I know,” Liz said. She took his hand and he gave her a squeeze. “How do you want to play this?”
Blair considered that for a moment. “I think we should meet with them.”
“Are you insane?” Alicia asked, her voice rising half an octave. “You have to know this is an ambush. They want to kill you and take the key to the Ark. You’re just going to walk into their trap and let them take it?”
“You’re right about it being a trap, but if we decline they’ll just come after Santa Rosa. We need to respond with a show of force, let them know that we can’t be pushed around,” Blair said. He rose from the railing, turning south to peer in the direction of San Francisco. “A war is coming. A big one. We need to get our house in order, and that means one way or another we need to deal with these deathless. As soon as possible.”
“If you want to go, I’ll support you,” Liz said. She gave him a tentative smile. “I don’t mind admitting I’m afraid, though.”
“I knew you’d leave again,” Alicia snapped. She spun around, stalking toward the stairs to the second floor.
“Alicia, wait,” Blair called.
Alicia, much to his surprise, stopped and turned to face him.
He followed her into the house. “Come with us. We’re going to go down, deal with this threat, and then come back here to talk about whatever Windigo is. Liz and I are not going anywhere. We’re going to help set things right.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Alicia muttered, but at least it was under her breath. She sighed, raising her voice. “Fine, I’ll pack a bag. The messenger said tomorrow at noon.”
“That makes sense,” Blair mused. “That’s the height of their power, after all. Where do they want to meet?”
“San Francisco. The Hilton in the Financial District,” Liz said.
“Then I definitely like our chances.” Blair smiled. “I think the deathless have no idea what a fully powered Ark can do, especially one that close.”
24
Hades
Nox smoothed his slacks, admiring himself in the suite’s mirror. It had been a long time since he’d had access to the creature comforts of the business world. He hadn’t realized how much he loved a good suit until he’d been without them for five years.
“Thank you for the use of your tailor,” he said. “Do you have anything of note to report about your efforts in the jungle?” He didn’t face Camiero, instead pulling his tie into a perfect Windsor. The humidity here would normally make a suit impractical, but since he no longer sweated he could wear a suit in any climate.
“Of course,” Camiero replied. “I am happy to see you suitably attired. Regrettably, I have little progress to report. You have set a near impossible task, and I warned you that it would take a great deal of time.” His eyes narrowed. “If I were a mistrus
tful man, I might assume that I was being set up to fail. But that would make me paranoid, would it not?”
“You’re not paranoid,” Nox said. “You failing is one possible outcome, and if it happens you’ll be blamed for that failure. Honestly? I would prefer that it play out differently.” He finally turned his full attention on the deathless and smiled, as warmly as he could manage. “There are two ways this plays out. You succeed, and I give you access to power you can only dream of. Or you fail, and I have to replace you. I have no desire to do that, Camiero. I have other tasks to attend to, and I cannot afford to get bogged down in an endless quest. We need to find the city, and we need to do it soon.”
“If you are so interested in success, then why do you allow your pet demon to wreak havoc? She plays my lieutenants against each other, egging them on to kill one another. That thing is crazy, and you are a fool to let it run loose,” Camiero raged. He leaned forward, stabbing a finger at Nox. “I also know that you’ve been meeting privately with my lieutenants.”
“Kali is…a chore. I’ll grant you that,” Nox said, nodding sympathetically. “I’ll try talking to her again, but I doubt it will do much good. She loves chaos, Mr. Camiero. And it is true that I’ve taken meetings with some of your underlings. If things do not go well, one of them will likely be your replacement. I won’t lie about that. At the same time, it’s important you understand that I do want you to succeed. Let’s discuss your problems in more detail. Tell me about the invasion, and how we can speed it up.”
“Very well,” Camiero allowed. The deathless walked to a pair of plush chairs, sinking into the one closest to the window. It afforded a specular view of the ocean.